EP1695002B1 - Transfer system and method for transferring a cryogenic fluid from an onshore unit to a ship by means of a buoy comprising a reel for a flexible hose and which level in the water can be changed - Google Patents
Transfer system and method for transferring a cryogenic fluid from an onshore unit to a ship by means of a buoy comprising a reel for a flexible hose and which level in the water can be changed Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1695002B1 EP1695002B1 EP04808791A EP04808791A EP1695002B1 EP 1695002 B1 EP1695002 B1 EP 1695002B1 EP 04808791 A EP04808791 A EP 04808791A EP 04808791 A EP04808791 A EP 04808791A EP 1695002 B1 EP1695002 B1 EP 1695002B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- loading
- duct
- flexible hose
- offloading
- ducts
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Not-in-force
Links
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 title claims abstract description 32
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 30
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 19
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 15
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000004804 winding Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000012809 cooling fluid Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 239000003949 liquefied natural gas Substances 0.000 description 11
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 8
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 8
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 8
- IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N Atomic nitrogen Chemical compound N#N IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 229910052757 nitrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000004215 Carbon black (E152) Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008602 contraction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000002309 gasification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229930195733 hydrocarbon Natural products 0.000 description 1
- 150000002430 hydrocarbons Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 230000008676 import Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009413 insulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003915 liquefied petroleum gas Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000746 purification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003134 recirculating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003643 water by type Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
- F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
- F17C9/00—Methods or apparatus for discharging liquefied or solidified gases from vessels not under pressure
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B22/00—Buoys
- B63B22/02—Buoys specially adapted for mooring a vessel
- B63B22/021—Buoys specially adapted for mooring a vessel and for transferring fluids, e.g. liquids
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B27/00—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers
- B63B27/24—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers of pipe-lines
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B27/00—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers
- B63B27/30—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for transfer at sea between ships or between ships and off-shore structures
- B63B27/34—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for transfer at sea between ships or between ships and off-shore structures using pipe-lines
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H75/00—Storing webs, tapes, or filamentary material, e.g. on reels
- B65H75/02—Cores, formers, supports, or holders for coiled, wound, or folded material, e.g. reels, spindles, bobbins, cop tubes, cans, mandrels or chucks
- B65H75/34—Cores, formers, supports, or holders for coiled, wound, or folded material, e.g. reels, spindles, bobbins, cop tubes, cans, mandrels or chucks specially adapted or mounted for storing and repeatedly paying-out and re-storing lengths of material provided for particular purposes, e.g. anchored hoses, power cables
- B65H75/38—Cores, formers, supports, or holders for coiled, wound, or folded material, e.g. reels, spindles, bobbins, cop tubes, cans, mandrels or chucks specially adapted or mounted for storing and repeatedly paying-out and re-storing lengths of material provided for particular purposes, e.g. anchored hoses, power cables involving the use of a core or former internal to, and supporting, a stored package of material
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H75/00—Storing webs, tapes, or filamentary material, e.g. on reels
- B65H75/02—Cores, formers, supports, or holders for coiled, wound, or folded material, e.g. reels, spindles, bobbins, cop tubes, cans, mandrels or chucks
- B65H75/34—Cores, formers, supports, or holders for coiled, wound, or folded material, e.g. reels, spindles, bobbins, cop tubes, cans, mandrels or chucks specially adapted or mounted for storing and repeatedly paying-out and re-storing lengths of material provided for particular purposes, e.g. anchored hoses, power cables
- B65H75/38—Cores, formers, supports, or holders for coiled, wound, or folded material, e.g. reels, spindles, bobbins, cop tubes, cans, mandrels or chucks specially adapted or mounted for storing and repeatedly paying-out and re-storing lengths of material provided for particular purposes, e.g. anchored hoses, power cables involving the use of a core or former internal to, and supporting, a stored package of material
- B65H75/44—Constructional details
- B65H75/4478—Constructional details relating to handling of fluids
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H2701/00—Handled material; Storage means
- B65H2701/30—Handled filamentary material
- B65H2701/33—Hollow or hose-like material
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
- F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
- F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
- F17C2205/01—Mounting arrangements
- F17C2205/0153—Details of mounting arrangements
- F17C2205/0184—Attachments to the ground, e.g. mooring or anchoring
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
- F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
- F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
- F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
- F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
- F17C2205/0323—Valves
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
- F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
- F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
- F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
- F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
- F17C2205/0352—Pipes
- F17C2205/0364—Pipes flexible or articulated, e.g. a hose
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
- F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
- F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
- F17C2221/01—Pure fluids
- F17C2221/014—Nitrogen
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
- F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
- F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
- F17C2221/03—Mixtures
- F17C2221/032—Hydrocarbons
- F17C2221/033—Methane, e.g. natural gas, CNG, LNG, GNL, GNC, PLNG
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
- F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
- F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
- F17C2221/03—Mixtures
- F17C2221/032—Hydrocarbons
- F17C2221/035—Propane butane, e.g. LPG, GPL
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
- F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
- F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
- F17C2223/01—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
- F17C2223/0146—Two-phase
- F17C2223/0153—Liquefied gas, e.g. LPG, GPL
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
- F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
- F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
- F17C2223/01—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
- F17C2223/0146—Two-phase
- F17C2223/0153—Liquefied gas, e.g. LPG, GPL
- F17C2223/0161—Liquefied gas, e.g. LPG, GPL cryogenic, e.g. LNG, GNL, PLNG
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
- F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
- F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
- F17C2223/03—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the pressure level
- F17C2223/033—Small pressure, e.g. for liquefied gas
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
- F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
- F17C2225/00—Handled fluid after transfer, i.e. state of fluid after transfer from the vessel
- F17C2225/01—Handled fluid after transfer, i.e. state of fluid after transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
- F17C2225/0146—Two-phase
- F17C2225/0153—Liquefied gas, e.g. LPG, GPL
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
- F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
- F17C2225/00—Handled fluid after transfer, i.e. state of fluid after transfer from the vessel
- F17C2225/01—Handled fluid after transfer, i.e. state of fluid after transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
- F17C2225/0146—Two-phase
- F17C2225/0153—Liquefied gas, e.g. LPG, GPL
- F17C2225/0161—Liquefied gas, e.g. LPG, GPL cryogenic, e.g. LNG, GNL, PLNG
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
- F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
- F17C2225/00—Handled fluid after transfer, i.e. state of fluid after transfer from the vessel
- F17C2225/03—Handled fluid after transfer, i.e. state of fluid after transfer from the vessel characterised by the pressure level
- F17C2225/033—Small pressure, e.g. for liquefied gas
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
- F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
- F17C2227/00—Transfer of fluids, i.e. method or means for transferring the fluid; Heat exchange with the fluid
- F17C2227/03—Heat exchange with the fluid
- F17C2227/0337—Heat exchange with the fluid by cooling
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
- F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
- F17C2260/00—Purposes of gas storage and gas handling
- F17C2260/03—Dealing with losses
- F17C2260/031—Dealing with losses due to heat transfer
- F17C2260/033—Dealing with losses due to heat transfer by enhancing insulation
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
- F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
- F17C2270/00—Applications
- F17C2270/01—Applications for fluid transport or storage
- F17C2270/0102—Applications for fluid transport or storage on or in the water
- F17C2270/0105—Ships
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
- F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
- F17C2270/00—Applications
- F17C2270/01—Applications for fluid transport or storage
- F17C2270/0102—Applications for fluid transport or storage on or in the water
- F17C2270/011—Barges
- F17C2270/0113—Barges floating
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
- F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
- F17C2270/00—Applications
- F17C2270/01—Applications for fluid transport or storage
- F17C2270/0102—Applications for fluid transport or storage on or in the water
- F17C2270/0118—Offshore
- F17C2270/0126—Buoys
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
- F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
- F17C2270/00—Applications
- F17C2270/01—Applications for fluid transport or storage
- F17C2270/0134—Applications for fluid transport or storage placed above the ground
- F17C2270/0136—Terminals
Definitions
- This invention relates to a method of transferring a cryogenic fluid from a storage and/or processing structure to an off shore loading and/or offloading structure, the loading and/or offloading structure comprising a base and a reel means rotatable relative to said base around a vertical axis, a transfer duct extending from the fluid storage and/or processing structure to the loading and/or offloading structure, a flexible hose windable around the reel means, connectable with a first end to the duct, and with a second end connectable to a tanker vessel.
- Such a method and transfer system are known from US patent no. 5,431,589 .
- a submersible buoy comprising a rotatable turntable carrying a reel with a flexible hose, and a mooring hawser.
- the buoy is connected to a pipeline supported on the sea bed via an articulated pipe, the pipeline extending for instance to an onshore storage and processing facility for liquefied natural gas (LNG).
- LNG liquefied natural gas
- the known transfer structure is used in ice-infested waters, the loading and/or offloading structure being ballasted and submerged below the water surface when not in use.
- the known hose is subject to fatigue.
- the buoy After placing the buoy into its operative position above water level, the hose on the reel will have to be cooled down first before cryogenic fluids can be transported through the hose. This will take considerable time and reduce the throughput of the known transfer structure for cryogenic fluids.
- the thermally induced expansion and contraction caused by the cooling and heating up results in a reduced service life of the cryogenic fluid ducts.
- a method according to the present invention comprises the steps as defined by claim 1.
- the hose By storing the flexible hose on the reel above water level, the hose is not subject to fatigue due to movements induced by the water.
- the horizontal storage configuration of the flexible hose allows for easy winding and unwinding of the flexible hose onto and from the reel.
- the lifting means may comprise rollers along the circumference of the buoy, or other hose support devices.
- the reel is lowerable towards water level and raisable away from water level.
- the reel is raised away from water level to a dry position (for instance by deballasting in case the loading/offloading structure comprises a buoy).
- the reel is close to water level (just above or below) such that the flexible hose, which preferably comprises a floating hose, is easily stored on the reel means and deployed and attached to a tanker.
- the reel may be lowered by ballasting of the buoy with water.
- the length of the flexible hose may be hundred of meters or more.
- a hose length of at least 200 meters is needed.
- the two duct sections are interconnected and cryogenic fluid is circulated from the processing storage and/or storage structure, via a first or main duct, to the interconnecting duct section and back through the second, or return duct, to the processing and/or storage structure.
- the processing and/or storage structure may be on offshore structure, but preferably is comprised of an on shore import/export facility.
- the offshore loading and/or offloading structure may comprise a terminal, which in one embodiment is provided with a mooring means, such as a turntable, and attachment for mooring of a tanker via a hawser attached to the turntable.
- a mooring means such as a turntable
- the two ducts extending from the processing and/or storage structure to the loading and/or offloading structure may have a length of several kilometres and are preferably comprised of hard piping, having a diameter of at least 16 inches, preferably 24 inches.
- the ducts can be separate ducts or can be one duct placed within the other one (pipe in pipe configuration).
- the interconnecting duct extending between the two ducts at or near the offshore loading and/or offloading structure may be comprised of an interconnecting flexible or rigid line, but preferably is comprised of the wound up flexible hose, such that this hose remains cooled at cryogenic temperatures at all times when idle.
- the loading and/or offloading structure comprises a ballastable buoy connected to the sea bed via anchor lines, such as a CALM buoy. Upon winding and unwinding of the hose, the buoy is ballasted such that the reel is located close to water level. In the wound position, the buoy is deballasted such that the reel is situated at a sufficient distance above water level.
- the loading and/or offloading structure comprises a tower, resting on the sea bed, the reel being raised or lowered along the tower towards and away from sea level.
- a CALM buoy having a reel rotatable around a vertical axis for storing of a flexible hydrocarbon transfer hose is known from US patent no 3,472,536 which is incorporated herein by reference.
- a method of transferring LNG to a storage tank via two transfer ducts and recirculating LNG through a closed loop consisting of the two LNG transfer ducts during idle times is known from US 6, 244,053 which is incorporated herein by reference.
- cryogenic temperatures as is used herein is intended to comprise temperatures below minus 80°C.
- Fig 1 shows a cryogenic transfer system 1, comprising an on shore storage and/or processing station 2, and an offshore terminal, in this case formed by a single point mooring buoy 3.
- the buoy 3 is anchored to the sea bed 5 via catenary anchor legs 4.
- a tanker 6 is moored to the buoy 3 via a hawser 7, attached to a turntable 8 of the buoy.
- the turntable 8 is rotatable around a vertical axis 10 (with “vertical” as is used herein is meant a direction which includes an angle of at least 45 degrees with a horizontal direction).
- the tanker 6 is in fluid connection with the on shore station 2 via a flexible, floating hose 12, which is attached to a first duct 13, extending along the sea bed to the on shore structure 2.
- a second duct 14 extends parallel to duct 13, and is closed at its end part by a closure device 15.
- a branching duct section 16 interconnects the ducts 13,14.
- cryogenic fluid is supplied via the flexible floating hose 12 to the duct 13 and via the branching duct 16, to the duct 14 for transport to the on shore station 2.
- the hose 12 is decoupled from the tanker 6, and is wound on a reel means 17 of the buoy 3, for instance by rotation of turntable 8 around the vertical axis 10 relative to the fixed base 18 of the buoy 3.
- the free end of the flexible hose 12, which is detached from the tanker 6 may remain disconnected as shown in fig. 2a or may be connected to the end part of the duct 14, the closure device 15 being opened, as shown in fig. 3a .
- Cryogenic fluid is then circulated under pressure (e.g. 10 bar) from the on shore station 2, via return duct 14, optionally through the hose 12, and back via duct 13 to the on shore station 2.
- the on shore station 2 may comprise an LNG, LPG or nitrogen liquefaction plant, a processing plant (for water separation and purification), a power station, a storage facility or any other cryogenic structure.
- the cryogenic structure 2 may be placed on shore as is shown in the example of fig. 1 , but may also be situated at an off shore location, resting on the sea bed on a column or tower, or floating, e.g. supported on a barge.
- the main and return transfer ducts 13,14 may be comprised of flexible hoses but are preferably comprised of rigid ducts, provided with insulation for preventing heat transfer into the ducts.
- the ducts 13,14 may have a parallel configuration, but in order to improve their insulating properties a concentric configuration is preferred.
- Fig. 2a shows a top view of a cryogenic transfer structure of similar type as shown in fig. 1 in which the same reference numerals are used to indicate similar parts.
- the flexible hose 12 is in its cooling, or idle configuration, and is wound several times around the reel means 17.
- a first end 20 of the flexible hose 12 is connected to the end part 22 of the duct 13.
- a second end 23 of the hose 12 is provided with a fluid coupling and can be attached to the tanker 6.
- cryogenic fluid such as liquefied natural gas or liquefied nitrogen
- duct 14 is circulated from the storage and/or processing structure 2, via duct 14, through branching duct section 16 and back through the return duct 13, to maintain the ducts 13 and 14 at cryogenic temperatures such as minus 160 °C at a pressure of 10 bar, at a relative low flow rate but such that any major gasification of the cryogenic fluid will not occur.
- the ducts 13 and 14 may have a length of between 50 m and several kilometres, and maintaining these ducts at cryogenic temperatures prevents long cooling times (e.g. 20 hours) prior to loading/offloading.
- the flexible hose 12 is unwound from the reel means 17 by rotating the reel means around the vertical axis 10 in the direction of arrow A. Prior to unwinding, the hose 12 is lowered towards water level 24, for instance by ballasting the buoy 3. The second end 23 is coupled to piping on the tanker 6. Cryogenic fluid is transferred to the hose 12 via the ducts 13,14, or vice versa.
- the hose 12 in the cooling configuration, is wound on the reel 17.
- the first end part 20 of the hose 12 is connected to the end part 22 of the return duct 13, the second end part 23 of the hose 12 being connected to the end part 22'of the main duct 14 via a releasable coupling 26,27.
- a valve 28 is provided in the branching duct 16, which is closed in the cooling configuration shown in fig. 3a , wherein cryogenic fluid is supplied through the main duct 14, via flexible hose 12 wound on reel 17 and back via return duct 13 to the processing/storage structure 2.
- the hose 12 is placed in the transfer configuration by releasing the couplings 26, 27.
- the part 26 of the coupling forms a closing end part of the duct 14, which is sealed in a fluid tight manner.
- Valve 28 in the branching duct 16 is opened, and coupling part 27 is attached to tanker 6.
- Cryogenic fluid is supplied from the structure 2 via the ducts 13, 14 to the hose 12 into the tanker 6, or vice versa.
- a ballastable buoy 30 is shown in the cooling configuration, in which the hose 12 is wound on the reel means 17 above water level 24.
- the buoy 30 is ballastable.
- a chain table 18 is connected to the sea bed via anchor chains 4, whereas an annular buoy body 31 can rotate around the vertical axis 10 relative to the chain table 18, driven by motor drive 32.
- a ballastable buoy 30 is shown, the hose 12 being wound around the reel means 17 which is connected to a rotatable turntable 35.
- the turntable is rotated by the motor drive 32 with respect to the fixed buoy body 18.
- the reel means 17 is fixedly attached to the buoy body 18.
- the first and second ends 20, 23 of the hose 12 are connected to turntable 35 which is driven in rotation by motor drive 32.
- a tower 40 is shown in which the ducts 13,14 extend internally inside the column 41, resting on the sea bed 5.
- the reel means 17 and the hose 12 are supported on a support frame 42 extending around the column, which frame can be raised and lowered along the column 41 via lifting device 43.
- the support frame 42 is provided with ballast tanks 44 which can be filled with water or emptied by pressurised air to lower or raise the support frame 42.
- Fig. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of ballastable buoy 30 according to the invention, with the chain table 18, on which a central core 54 is supported.
- a central core 54 Rotatable around the core 54 an annular body 60 is supported by axial-radial bearings 53 and axial bearings 61.
- the ducts 13, 14 extend through the central core 54 to a manifold 55, from which ducts connect to radial conduits 56, 57.
- the Flexible hose 12 is supported in a number of concentric loops in a horizontal plane on the reel means 17. Via a pump and valve assembly 58, water can be introduced into ballast compartments 59 of the buoy 30.
- Fig. 11 shows the buoy 30 of fig. 10 in the cooling position, in which no water is present in the ballast compartments 59, and the hose 12 is supported in a dry position above water level, wound in a horizontal plane around the annular body 60. Cryogenic fluid is circulated through the ducts 13, 14 and through the hose 12. Prior to unwinding the hose from the reel means 17, the ballast tanks 59 are filled by operating pump and valve assembly 58 and by introducing water into the tanks 59 such that the hose 12 is submerged below water level 24, as is shown in fig. 12 .
- Fig. 11 shows the buoy 30 of fig. 10 in the cooling position, in which no water is present in the ballast compartments 59, and the hose 12 is supported in a dry position above water level, wound in a horizontal plane around the annular body 60. Cryogenic fluid is circulated through the ducts 13, 14 and through the hose 12. Prior to unwinding the hose from the reel means 17, the ballast tanks 59 are filled by operating pump and valve
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)
- Rigid Pipes And Flexible Pipes (AREA)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP04808791A EP1695002B1 (en) | 2003-12-18 | 2004-12-16 | Transfer system and method for transferring a cryogenic fluid from an onshore unit to a ship by means of a buoy comprising a reel for a flexible hose and which level in the water can be changed |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP03079118 | 2003-12-18 | ||
PCT/NL2004/000875 WO2005059432A1 (en) | 2003-12-18 | 2004-12-16 | Transfer system and method for transferring a cryogenic fluid from an onshore unit to a ship by means of a buoy comprising a reel for a flexible hose and which level in the water can be changed |
EP04808791A EP1695002B1 (en) | 2003-12-18 | 2004-12-16 | Transfer system and method for transferring a cryogenic fluid from an onshore unit to a ship by means of a buoy comprising a reel for a flexible hose and which level in the water can be changed |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1695002A1 EP1695002A1 (en) | 2006-08-30 |
EP1695002B1 true EP1695002B1 (en) | 2011-06-08 |
Family
ID=34684564
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP04808791A Not-in-force EP1695002B1 (en) | 2003-12-18 | 2004-12-16 | Transfer system and method for transferring a cryogenic fluid from an onshore unit to a ship by means of a buoy comprising a reel for a flexible hose and which level in the water can be changed |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US7438617B2 (no) |
EP (1) | EP1695002B1 (no) |
JP (1) | JP4790628B2 (no) |
CN (1) | CN100532914C (no) |
NO (1) | NO20063311L (no) |
WO (1) | WO2005059432A1 (no) |
Families Citing this family (26)
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US8328465B2 (en) | 2005-04-25 | 2012-12-11 | Reel Pipe, Llc | Offshore petroleum discharge system |
US7464734B2 (en) * | 2005-08-08 | 2008-12-16 | Xuejie Liu | Self-cooling pipeline system and method for transfer of cryogenic fluids |
US7726359B2 (en) * | 2006-12-20 | 2010-06-01 | Chevron U.S.A. Inc. | Method for transferring a cryogenic fluid |
US7726358B2 (en) * | 2006-12-20 | 2010-06-01 | Chevron U.S.A. Inc. | Method for loading LNG on a floating vessel |
US8006724B2 (en) * | 2006-12-20 | 2011-08-30 | Chevron U.S.A. Inc. | Apparatus for transferring a cryogenic fluid |
US20080242165A1 (en) * | 2007-03-29 | 2008-10-02 | Chevron U.S.A. Inc. | Process, vessel and system for transferring fluids between floating vessels using flexible conduit and releasable mooring system |
BRPI0921922B1 (pt) * | 2008-11-20 | 2021-02-23 | Single Buoy Moorings Inc | unidade multifuncional flutuante |
FR2942293A1 (fr) * | 2009-02-19 | 2010-08-20 | Air Liquide | Procede et installation de remplissage par un liquide cryogenique d'un reservoir |
PT2419322E (pt) * | 2009-04-17 | 2015-10-21 | Excelerate Energy Ltd Partnership | Transferência de gnl entre embarcações em doca |
KR101219942B1 (ko) * | 2009-07-14 | 2013-01-08 | 대우조선해양 주식회사 | 해상 구조물의 유지 보수를 위한 운용 방법 |
BR112013003208B1 (pt) * | 2010-08-13 | 2022-03-29 | Horton Do Brasil Technologia Offshore, Ltda. | Sistema para descarga de um fluido de uma estrutura de armazenamento de fluido marítima e método para descarregar um fluido de uma estrutura de armazenamento de fluido marítima em um navio-tanque. |
FR2967451B1 (fr) * | 2010-11-17 | 2012-12-28 | Technip France | Tour d'exploitation de fluide dans une etendue d'eau et procede d'installation associe. |
FR2967990B1 (fr) * | 2010-11-30 | 2014-11-28 | Saipem Sa | Support installe en mer equipe d'un dispositif de connexion et de vannes utile pour la purge de conduites flexibles |
FR2968058B1 (fr) * | 2010-11-30 | 2012-12-28 | Saipem Sa | Support en mer equipe d'un dispositif de stockage et de guidage de conduites flexibles utiles pour le transfert en mer de produits petroliers |
US8915271B2 (en) | 2011-12-20 | 2014-12-23 | Xuejie Liu | System and method for fluids transfer between ship and storage tank |
WO2014083341A2 (en) * | 2012-11-30 | 2014-06-05 | Floating Cable Tanks Limited | Conduit storage or deployment system and associated methods |
US9187156B2 (en) | 2013-12-18 | 2015-11-17 | Xuejie Liu | Mobile system and method for fluid transfer involving ships |
AU2014224153B8 (en) * | 2014-07-09 | 2015-07-02 | Woodside Energy Technologies Pty Ltd | System and method for heading control of a floating lng vessel using a set of real-time monitored hull integrity data |
AU2014224154B8 (en) * | 2014-07-09 | 2015-07-02 | Woodside Energy Technologies Pty Ltd | System and method for heading control of a floating lng vessel using a set of real-time monitored cargo containment system strain data |
CN104590493B (zh) * | 2015-02-15 | 2017-03-01 | 中国人民解放军总后勤部油料研究所 | 一种近岸无码头油轮输转油系统 |
CN106430072A (zh) * | 2016-09-07 | 2017-02-22 | 广州船舶及海洋工程设计研究院 | 一种悬链式单点系泊输油装置 |
CN106241513B (zh) * | 2016-10-09 | 2019-01-15 | 中铁工程机械研究设计院有限公司 | 一种基于水位变化的电缆自动收放装置及方法 |
GB2574051B (en) * | 2018-05-24 | 2022-04-20 | Techflow Marine Ltd | A fluid transfer system with thermally isolating interface |
KR102040054B1 (ko) * | 2018-06-27 | 2019-11-04 | 삼성중공업 주식회사 | 원통형 해상구조물 및 그 하역 장치 |
DK180856B1 (en) * | 2020-09-15 | 2022-05-20 | Stillstrom As | Mooring buoy and method of mooring a vessel with a mooring buoy |
US11401155B1 (en) * | 2021-05-06 | 2022-08-02 | Bluewater Energy Services B.V. | System for transferring crude oil from an onshore location to a vessel |
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GB1400767A (en) * | 1972-07-18 | 1975-07-23 | Shell Int Research | Single buoy mooring system for fluid transfer for use at exposed locations |
US4315408A (en) * | 1980-12-18 | 1982-02-16 | Amtel, Inc. | Offshore liquified gas transfer system |
DE3833488A1 (de) | 1988-10-01 | 1990-04-12 | Thyssen Nordseewerke Gmbh | Schlauchspeichertrommel, insbesondere fuer unterwasser-oeluebernahme-systeme |
JPH074400Y2 (ja) * | 1988-12-12 | 1995-02-01 | 石川島播磨重工業株式会社 | Lng受入配管のクールダウン装置 |
US5431589A (en) * | 1994-06-10 | 1995-07-11 | Atlantic Richfield Company | Submersible mooring buoy |
US6012292A (en) * | 1998-07-16 | 2000-01-11 | Mobil Oil Corporation | System and method for transferring cryogenic fluids |
US6244053B1 (en) * | 1999-03-08 | 2001-06-12 | Mobil Oil Corporation | System and method for transferring cryogenic fluids |
NL1015208C2 (nl) * | 2000-05-16 | 2001-11-19 | Bluewater Terminal Systems Nv | Overslagstelsel voor koolwaterstofproducten. |
FR2837190B1 (fr) | 2002-03-15 | 2004-10-08 | Eurodim Sa | Systeme de transfert d'un produit fluide, notamment du gaz naturel liquefie, entre un navire de transport du fluide et un poste de stockage |
US6997643B2 (en) * | 2003-10-30 | 2006-02-14 | Sbm-Imodco Inc. | LNG tanker offloading in shallow water |
-
2004
- 2004-12-16 WO PCT/NL2004/000875 patent/WO2005059432A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2004-12-16 CN CN200480037683.2A patent/CN100532914C/zh not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2004-12-16 JP JP2006545255A patent/JP4790628B2/ja not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2004-12-16 US US10/583,555 patent/US7438617B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2004-12-16 EP EP04808791A patent/EP1695002B1/en not_active Not-in-force
-
2006
- 2006-07-17 NO NO20063311A patent/NO20063311L/no not_active Application Discontinuation
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20070155260A1 (en) | 2007-07-05 |
WO2005059432A1 (en) | 2005-06-30 |
EP1695002A1 (en) | 2006-08-30 |
JP2007519862A (ja) | 2007-07-19 |
NO20063311L (no) | 2006-09-15 |
CN100532914C (zh) | 2009-08-26 |
JP4790628B2 (ja) | 2011-10-12 |
CN1894536A (zh) | 2007-01-10 |
US7438617B2 (en) | 2008-10-21 |
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